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Oakland Raiders Sign Tahir Whitehead

Bolstering the defense had to be an offseason goal for the Oakland Raiders, who allowed an average of 350.1 yards per game last season (23rd in the NFL). They took a big step toward accomplishing that goal by adding former Detroit Lions linebacker Tahir Whitehead.

Whitehead may not be one of the league’s star linebackers, but he is an extremely productive player who will improve the second level of Oakland’s defense. The 2012 fifth-round pick racked up 110 tackles, two passed defended, an interception and a sack last season. He has amassed more than 100 tackles in each of the last two years.

With six years of experience under his belt, Whitehead is also poised to be a leader on Oakland’s new-look defense.kids nfl jerseys cheap

“Whitehead is a guy that is very vocal. Very vocal,” fellow linebacker Derrick Johnson said, per the Raiders’ official website.

Johnson, who joined Oakland after playing 13 seasons with the rival Kansas City Chiefs, was an addition that generated a lot more buzz this offseason. Don’t be surprised, however, if Whitehead is the new linebacker who has the biggest impact.

You may have heard this before, but the Detroit Lions haven’t had a player rush for at least 100 yards in a game since 2013 (Reggie Bush). This is a fact that loomed large behind the team’s decision to use a second-round pick on former Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson.kids nfl jerseys

Johnson isn’t the only running back the Lions added this offseason, however. They also brought in LeGarrette Blount, and he shouldn’t be overlooked.

While Johnson is likely to be Detroit’s workhorse back of the future, Blount is a strong between-the-tackles runner who can add punch to the running game. He proved as much with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, rushing for 766 yards and 4.4 yards per carry.nfl kids jerseys

“When I think about how I can contribute to this team, the first thing that jumps out is my physicality,” Blount explained on his official website (via Lions Wire). “It’s extremely important for any team to get good at short yardage and converting on third down.”nfl jerseys for kids

Blount is also familiar with new Lions head coach Matt Patricia from their time together in New England. Expect him to have a big role in both the team’s development and its success this season.cheap kids nfl jerseys